Area News Briefs

AREA FOOD PANTRY INFORMATION

The area food pantry is located in the Richland United Methodist Church in Richland. Anyone living in the Pekin School district has access to this resource. For anyone needing help go to the Fellowship Hall door that is located on Richland St. on the west side of the church. Food pantry hours of operation are Tues. and Wed. 9-11 a.m. and Thur. 6-8 p.m. Office phone 319-456-2251, emergency contact 319-750-2631. This is a Partner Agency with the Food Bank of Iowa.

RICHLAND LIBRARY WINTER READING PROGRAM

The Richland Public Library Winter Reading Program started Dec. 21 and will go through February 28. This program is open to all ages. There will be reading logs, Bingo cards, prizes, and raffle drawings in both January and February. This program is sponsored by Everybody’s Whole Foods in Fairfield and Jeff and Jeannie Pedrick. For additional details and how to register, contact the library at 319-456-6541 or richlib@natel.net

BUILD A BLUEBIRD BOX AT THE RICHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Fight the winter “blues” by learning about Iowa’s beautiful Eastern Bluebirds with ranger Stratton Bond, Keokuk County Conservation. After speaking about bluebirds, Stratton will give step-by-step instructions to help you build your own bluebird box to take home.

This program will be held in the library’s meeting room on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. and is geared toward adults and students 16 years and up. Children aged 10 through 15 may participate if accompanied by an adult.

This is a free program and all materials will be supplied. Space is limited 15 participants so preregistration is required. For more information about this program, please contact the library at 319-456-6541 or richlib@natel.net.

PACKWOOD FIRE & RESCUE PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Packwood Fire and Rescue will be serving a pancake breakfast at the fire station on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 7-10 a.m. Free will offering to be put toward new protective turnout gear, firefighting tools and apparatus as the need arises.

BLAIR BENEFIT SUPPER, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

A benefit supper is being held Saturday, Feb. 11 for Keith and Elaine Blair, who lost their home to a fire before Christmas. The supper will be held at the Carl Craft Civic Center in Hedrick from 4-7 p.m. Free will offering.

RICHLAND LIBRARY AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB, TUESDAYS

Children in kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to the Richland Public Library on Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. for crafts, snacks, stories and games. For more information contact the library at 319.456.6541.

RICHLAND LIBRARY TEEN PROGRAM, THURSDAYS

All students in grades 5 and up are invited to join the Richland Public Library weekly book club on Thursdays from 4-4:45 p.m. We'll talk about the books you're reading, play some games and have a snack. For more information contact the library at 319.456.6541.

RICHLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SUNDAY COFFEE

Everyone is welcome to the Richland United Methodist Church on Sundays at 10 a.m. for coffee and juice. Sunday morning service will follow.

KEOKUK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Keokuk County Historical Society will begin winter hours beginning December 1. The center will be open ONLY Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arrangements for visiting other days can be arranged by calling 641-622-3005, please leave a message and a volunteer will return your call. KCHS will be closed if school is canceled or delayed.

HEDRICK VETERANS MUSEUM HOURS

The Veterans Museum in Hedrick, located next to the Carl Craft Civic Center, is open the second Sunday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is also open by appointment by calling Paul @ (641) 653-4717 or (641) 799-0448, Jerry @ (641) 799-4372, Jim @ (641) 653-2443, Tommy @ (641) 295-5089, or Roger @ (641) 653-2281.